b'what are SIPs (StructuralInsulated Panels)? SIPs can be used to build walls, floors and ceilings. The panels can be stained or painted directly onto the surface and their textural surface adds a layer of interest. Tonia likens SIPs to an ice-cream wafer, consisting of an insulated foam corebetween layers of oriented strand board (OSB). They create a tight fit, which is great for energy efficiency. SIPs are a structural product that actslike an RSJ and can support spans inmultiple directions. Although they can be expensive to purchase, because the panels are effectively a three-in-one product of structure, insulation and finish, building can be faster than normal if built by SIPs specialist builders.Above: The SIPs panel wall has what Tonia calls a chocolate biscuit effect. She stained the wall using Resene Colorwood Jarrah before sanding the oriented strand board (OSB) texture and giving the wood a coat of Resene Aquaclear tinted with Resene Colorwood Enhance Jarrah. The ceiling is Resene Colorwood Whitewash protected with Resene Aquaclear.Above right: Tonia and Stephen did much of the work on their home themselves including hit-and-miss wall boarding. The wall, protected in Resene Aquaclear, adds to the homes strong architectural lines. The wall on the left is Resene Colorwood Whitewash protected in Resene Aquaclear.Right: The bright and light-filled dining room is painted in zesty green Resene Fresh with a feature wall in Resene Happy Hour.ReseneReseneResene Tom Thumb Onepoto Riptide26'